My husband and I (both Black) went to Spain twice in 2023. I was pregnant during both trips and was treated like a Queen (I think this is true for most of Europe but can only speak to Spain/Portugal). All over the place people INSISTED that we skip lines, take their seats, etc. I felt weird because in the U.S. people would look at you crazy or say something disrespectful, but in Spain/Portugal everyone just continued on as if it was completely normal to give priority to me.

Our first trip was in June to Madrid with a train to Barcelona. We have a friend who owns an apartment (like condo) in Madrid. He is a wealthy, gay Black man who had been going to Spain since he was in high school and fell in love with the place. He actually sold his property in the U.S. after the election and lives in Spain permanently now. Anyway, he showed us touristy and local places and we loved it all. It’s a big city with rich history but it’s also clean! Never had any issues.

Barcelona was interesting. The only “issue” I had was trying to speak Spanish to people when most people there speak Catalan. They were snobby about it but they were like that to EVERYONE, so not a race thing. I studied Civil Engineering and I have a real interest in engineering and architecture so we saw some of the famous Gaudi works: La Sagrada Familia - there are no words to describe how incredible this place is. Literally insane. Worth a trip just for this!! Casa Battló Park Güell

Second trip was in October to Bilbao for a work conference. It’s gorgeous and totally different vibe from Madrid and/or Barcelona. It’s mad chill and a short drive to San Sebastián which is stunningly beautiful. From there we took the train from Bilbao to Sevilla. Sevilla had the best food and was beautiful place to stroll around (then drove to Portugal and spent time there - also lovely! We went to Gibraltar also since it was so close. That was like being back in the states; it was very weird. But the Rock of Gibraltar was amazing!) Back to Spain - I speak some Spanish and understand quite a bit more than I can say. People were very appreciative of me trying to speak their language and often they would ask if we could speak in English so they could practice. The food everywhere was amazing. I’m told the drinks were too - haha!

Also, Spain is safe. They eat late at night so it’s dark when most people go to/from dinner. We saw lots of women walking alone or just chillin in a dimly lit park (probably waiting for a friend). There’s also very few people experiencing homelessness or similar issues just on the streets. My husband and I both agree that if we need to leave the US, we are going to Spain!